Mindset Matters: Rethinking How We Teach and Design Cybersecurity | An RSAC Conference 2025 Conversation with Jason R.C. Nurse | On Location Coverage with Sean Martin and Marco Ciappelli

Dr. Jason R.C. Nurse, Associate Professor in Cybersecurity at the University of Kent and Director of Science and Research at CybSafe, joins ITSPmagazine at RSAC 2025 to discuss how people’s attitudes shape their cybersecurity behaviors—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.

Drawing from a global survey of over 7,000 individuals, Dr. Nurse presents data that reveals a fundamental challenge: while many individuals recognize the importance of cybersecurity, a significant number also find it intimidating and frustrating. Nearly 43% of participants shared that they feel overwhelmed by security measures, highlighting a persistent disconnect between the intent of security protocols and the lived experience of users.

This disconnect manifests in inconsistent behaviors. At home, people may take extra precautions to protect their personal lives and families. At work, however, there’s a tendency to outsource responsibility to the employer. This duality—heightened vigilance in personal spaces and relaxed caution in professional environments—creates vulnerabilities in a world where attackers don’t care where the device or user happens to be.

The conversation emphasizes the need to rethink how we approach cybersecurity education, awareness, and design. Dr. Nurse advocates for a “usable security” model—systems that protect users without demanding overly technical knowledge or creating friction. He uses the example of biometrics and seamless phone authentication to show how good design can improve both security and user satisfaction.

To illustrate the connection between knowledge, attitude, and behavior, Dr. Nurse brings humor into the mix with a memorable analogy involving Kit Kats. Just as knowing something is delicious can shape our cravings and actions, understanding security in relatable terms can lead to more proactive behaviors.

The episode wraps with a candid reflection on trust and novelty in the face of emerging AI systems—like self-driving cars. Dr. Nurse questions whether people truly trust new technologies or if they’re simply seduced by convenience and innovation.

This is a conversation about what it really takes to build a security-conscious society—one that understands people as much as it understands threats.

Listen to the full episode to hear how mindset, usability, and cultural attitudes are reshaping the human side of cybersecurity.

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Guest: 

Dr. Jason R.C. Nurse, Associate Professor in Cybersecurity at the University of Kent | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonrcnurse/

Hosts:
Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com

Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine | Website: https://www.marcociappelli.com

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